Various Artists GRLZ:Women Ahead Of Their Time

GRLZ captures that brief phase in the late ‘70s/early ‘80s when femme-voxed post-punk boasted some of the most intriguing sounds extant. This collection excavates a fortuitous mix of rarities from unknowns like Dorothy, Jajaja, and Nicolle Meyer and highlights from slightly better known acts like The Slits, Bow Wow Wow, Rip, Rig And Panic (featuring Neneh Cherry), Delta 5, and New Age Steppers. Funk and dub are the main default modes here, with transporting basslines and distinctive vocal phrasing aplenty. GRLZ is both an invigorating memento and a relevant inspiration to a new generation of adventurous musicians of both genders.